Palazzo Vecchio or Palazzo della Signoria

Author: Serena

In the past this construction was called palace of priors because this was the seat of the magistrates that governed the city of Florence. The construction of this quadrilateral building started in 1298 and finished in 1314. This palace is made up by an unique Gothic style block characterized by few windows and surmounted by battlements and by a defensive tower.

Palazzo Vecchio, external view

Over the main entrance there is a marble decoration ornamented with golden lilies on a blue field and at its centre there is the monogram I H S (Iesus Hominum Salvator).

The monogram of the Palazzo Vecchio

The internal courtyard is in Renaissance style: it was rebuilt by Michelozzo at the end of the XVth century and it was decorated by Vasari. At the middle of the courtyard you can admire the beautiful fountain by Andrea del Verrocchio.

The Palazzo Vecchio courtyard

Inside this palace you can visit the XVIth century Salon with all its frescos, the Francesco dei Medici’s small office, the Room of the Lilies (the flowers that symbolize Florence), and the Room of the Maps. Today this palace is the seat of the Florentine municipality.